The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.
You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.
Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.
Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Condolence card from First Baptist Church, Berkley in Norfolk, Va. Light blue cover with floral pattern inscribed with the stock message: "Thinking of you with extra special care during this time when memories are stirred and the greatness of your loss can't help but felt afresh." Personalized message on the left flap reads: "We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our prayer is that you will feel the peace and comfort of the Lord in this time of need. May your hearts be lifted and unity forever flow.
Card addressed to Irving Younger, written using personal details from various public sources.
Laminated text of the Catholic "Beatitudes" blessing printed on paper with light blue checkered pattern in background. A yellow band with the words "The Beatitudes" appears in the upper center; blue and purple clouds covering the sun appear to the left. A handmade paper medallion with five decoratively rolled spirals and a silver string has been taped to the front.
Summary: New York Jewish Week report compiling responses to the October 27 attack from prominent Jews on Twitter.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "Julianna N. I am praying for everyone who died and I am very sorry for everyone who lost their loved ones. But I am happy that you are all in heaven. Many pray[er]s. Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Summary: Embedded Tweet by local news reporter, featured by The Incline, shows scene at havdalah vigil at the corner of Murray and Forbes avenues on the evening of the October 27 attack.
Handwritten note written in blue marker on lined notepad paper from Christian Lacroix reading: "We love you, Cecil. May God comfort you and all the innocent people who died here." A white sticker with a red heart appears below.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/2018 and reads: "To the Tree of Life Synagogue, Our love and support go out to you. Only the Love of God in us can help to overcome such a tragedy and grief. Stay strong, stay united, and know that we at Point Loma Church in San Diego are praying for you and remembering you. With His Love, Geri [last name redacted]."
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
White ceramic vase (Lenox Poppy Vase) with gold trim at bottom rim and flower pattern. Vase contains stalks of wheat and dried lotus pods bound together with a strip of fabric. Fabric has an autumn harvest theme. Attached to the lotus pod are a not bound in fabric and a wooden heart. Note includes the names of the 11 victims and the message, "Our deepest sympathies to your family, friends, and the Tree of Life community. Our hearts are broken, but our strength is strong. Hate will not win. [Redacted] Denniston and Hastings." Vase has dirt and cobwebs around bottom.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Please know your brothers and sisters in Christ stand with you and offer our sincere condolences. Your roots are embedded in our Christianity. Your roots are strong and your strength will sustain you. In Christ's love, PLCPC San Diego, CA."
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "To never be silent at the arms of our oppressors."
Diamante poem by which was sent with the materials from Emergency Ministry Services, a faith-based training and disaster response NGO in San Juan Capistrano, Ca., affiliated with the Orange County Church on the Rock. A diamante poem is a seven-line unrhymed poem which is shaped like a diamond. The words of this poem washed away due to rainwater.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "We stand with you!" Signed: "Douglas [last name redacted] and family."
Prayer card with reproduction of "The Miraculous Icon" depicting the Virgin and Child. According to the text on the front cover, this prayer card was blessed at mass with holy water and incense. The inside features various recommended prayers for healing and petitions.
Orange card addressed to the Tree of Life Community on the front cover. The inside contains a sincere message of sympathy from a Jewish resident of Erie, Pa.
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother JERRY RABINOWITZ z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
Terms of Use
The October 27 Archive collects responses to an antisemitic attack in Pittsburgh, Pa. on October 27, 2018. These responses take many forms but share a motivating impulse. Each began in the mind and heart of someone who was moved by the events of that day and was compelled to create something meaningful from that feeling. By sharing these responses, those people chose to be vulnerable for the sake of a greater good. The October 27 Archive website was launched with the belief that sharing these responses with the world can provide an avenue for people all over the world to reflect, learn, and heal.
By entering this website, you agree to honor the spirit in which these responses were created and in which they are being shared with the world.
The materials on this website are being made available exclusively for research purposes. For permission to use any of the materials on this website for any other purpose, please contact the archive. If you are the creator of any of the material on this website, and you would like to provide context or request to have something removed, please contact the archive. If you intend to reference any material found on this website, please attribute all citations to the Rauh Jewish Archives, so that other researchers can easily locate these materials in the future.